Russia opposes any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz but says such issues must be viewed in the context of the broader global situation, Interfax reported on Monday.
Russia and China's Foreign Ministries voiced concerns on Monday about the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the potential expansion of the current conflict.
Russia opposed any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz but said such issues must be viewed in the context of the broader global situation, Interfax reported on Monday, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry.
China urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz to end military operations to prevent a "vicious cycle" and return to negotiations.
"Should hostilities continue to escalate and the situation deteriorate further, the entire region will be plunged into chaos," the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said when responding to a question about US President Donald Trump pressuring Iran to reopen the key shipping waterway.
"The use of force will only lead to a vicious cycle," he said, adding that the war should not have begun in the first place.
Iran's Defense Council said Monday that the only way to pass through Hormuz for "non-belligerent" states is by coordinating passage with Iran.
China in talks with Iran to allow safe oil and gas passage through Hormuz
Earlier this month, China held talks with Iran to allow crude oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz as the US-Israeli war on Tehran intensified, three diplomatic sources told Reuters.
The war has left the critical shipping passageway all but shut, with countries around the world cut off from a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
China, which has friendly relations with Iran and relies heavily on Middle Eastern supplies, is unhappy about the Islamic Republic's move to paralyze shipping through the Strait and is pressing Tehran to allow safe passage for the vessels, according to the sources.
